My husband is thinking about joining the marines. Any advice or experiences would greatly help.?

Question

My husband has always wanted to join the marines. He wants to support his family (me and our 12 month old daughter). He wants to serve his country and feels that something is missing in his life and feels this would be a good experience. Our concerns are about money he is the breadwinner and I stay home with our daughter. I have found the pay scales on line and that alone wouldnt beable to support us. How does housing and bills and everything else work? I have read about different allowences (housing, clothing etc) We want to make sure this is something that can support us while making his dreams come true. Any advice or experiences would really be appreciated I am looking for the truth don't sugar coat it if it isnt a good idea or doesnt seem like it would be a good move for our family. please let me hear it. Thanks to everyone who takes the time to answer seriously.

Answer 1

First of all, why does he want to join the Marines? Not that I'm knocking that branch of service. In other words, what's his motivation for joining? Does he know what job he wants to do?
Does he have any college? A recruit will get moved up in pay grade coming out of basic for having so many college hours. Also, if he signs up for six years, he'll be an E-3 after graduation.
Housing depends on where you're located. While I was active duty Air Force, a base I was at had a wait of over a year for housing. We lived off-base & never had a problem, but my wife also worked. If you live off-base, then he'll receive a basic housing allowance, along with a basic subsistence in addition to his regular pay. But at the lower enlisted ranks, it won't be all that much.
If he's in a job that puts him in the field or on deployment a lot, then you'll need to learn how to deal with that. All bases & posts should have a family support center to help you with things like that.
The military isn't a bad life per se. But it's definitely different from civilian life for sure. Getting hurt or killed is an occupational hazard, especially if he's in a combat arm field such as infantry. Daily business operates differently as well. For instance, your husband just can't call in sick & leave it at that. He'll have to report to the clinic & they'll determine if he's ill enough to stay home. If you're sick & can't care for the baby, he'll have to take YOU to the clinic & get a doctor's recommendation. That happened to me personally when our oldest girl was an infant & my wife was running a 102 temp.
I think it's honorable that an individual would want to serve their country. However, he needs to have a good idea of what it is he wants to do. Serving is one thing, but if he's miserable in his chosen field, then neither of you will be happy.
I would suggest that he talk to recruiters of each branch to see what they have to offer. Remember though, recruiters are there to paint a perfect picture of the military. It probably wouldn't hurt to have him contact a friend or relative who has served & go down with him.

Answer 2

I am a very proud former Marine that served from 1990 to 1996 and I grew up a military brat. I was single during my tour but had many friends that were married with children. First, your husband and you are heros in my book just for wanting to earn the honor and priveleage of being a United States Marine and a member of the military family, especially in the times we live in.

As far as money, most people don't join the military for money because it doesn't pay much. The medical care is handled by the Navy and the medical benefits are great. As far as housing, there is an allowance for housing and food that never seems to cover everything but it is there. Its really going to depend on where your husband will be stationed. Some bases have extremely cheap apartments and housing around them while others do not. It may take a year or so but base housing is your best bet since that will take care of your housing costs. Many marine spouses got jobs on base and most bases have assistance outside of the military, especially if you have kids.

If he does join, there will be some tough times, but that is the sacrifice military families make everyday. Money may be short but families in the military are good at taking care of each other. Make sure he is aware of the job he will be given and the bases that those types of jobs work out of. For instance, I was a 5954 or a type of electronics tech that works on air traffic control equipment so there was only a few places I could be stationed. It lessoned my likelihood of being on the front lines, however it is a possiblity for every marine. Make sure he knows what kind of MOS (job) he is going to get and have him try to learn something he can use after the military. In my case, it turned into some good paying jobs soon after my tour was over even though I have switched careers since then.

Something he can try first is the reserves instead of going full active duty although that usually means he will be committed for a longer term. He can always switch to full active duty later if he likes it.

Good luck and Semper Fi

Answer 3

The military is an honored profession. It has programs to assist with family housing, ect. However, when your Husband goes to basic training; it may take some time to receive family housing and other benefits. If housing is not available at the base; you will probably receive a family housing allowance that you can use for rent. I would check with the local marine recruiter on how long it will take for the family housing allowance and medical benefits for family members to be approved and awarded. You may have to stay with family if your not able to afford to stay where you are until the financial aspects are completed. He'll receive a clothing allowance, but this is for uniforms only. If you have to stay off base if family housing is not available on base (usually base housing is approved from the top ranks down, with the lowest enlisted the last to be served); you'll need to come up with the rental deposit - ask your recruiter if the family housing allowance provides monies for deposits. Also, go online to the Marine's or VA web pages, a lot of your questions may be answered their as well. Being part of the military is being a part of a team that has a mission that usually is for the greater good; that in itself is very satisfying for many citizens whom serve.

Answer 4

Don't join the Marines. The Marines are the worst branch for taking care of a family. For example: If your husband is in the Army, he sends you the paperwork to get your military spouse ID and children's IDs. You will then go to the office and get enrolled in the military health care program (TRICARE). after that you start having benefits and are covered medically. This is a week or two after he ships out.

The Marines make you wait until after he finishes training. Then you get the ID card and coverage, 4 months later. Also, the Marines spend more time at sea than Sailors in the Navy. He may miss your children growing up, your anniversary, graduations, birthdays. That is just during time of peace.

The basic pay you saw is just that, the pay. This is the taxable portion. The housing allowance is separate and not listed because it goes by the zipcode assigned at, along with $260 a month to feed himself, the free medical care, etc. The money is actually alot more than you realize.

Let's add it up for where I live. Start with the base pay (actually less than $1800, it is $1427 a month). You have a housing allowance, or equitable quarters equal in value (in San Francisco that equals $1753 in single and with a family that is equal to $2412) a month. Plus food or an allowance equal to $260 per month. Medical coverage that would cost $475 for 1 person (or $780 for a family) through Kaiser Permanente per month. An E-2 in San Francisco will also earn 11% of his or her Base Pay tax free for the higher cost of living. And with 30 days vacation with pay, annually, that means one month is free. Also, Soldiers not deployed get over 125 days off a year, so that said, it is $378 a day...and will be an E-3 or E-4 in a year or less.

Add in the tax free advantage on all but the base pay, the Tuition that is available per year and the annual clothing allowance, an E2 with a family, in San Francisco earns $6616.08 per month or $79392 a year. This does not include a possible $40,000 sign on bonus and a $71,000 College Fund for AFTER the Army.

Where can an 18 year old with a high school diploma (or in exceptional cases a GED) earn that much their first year on the job?

Answer 5

The military is the military do not go with who is better or worse. I was a sailor with a Marine unit and have never been to sea. Talk to the recruiter, and get everything in writing. The Marines do have the best medical support in the world, because they use the Navy's. Their base housing and allowances for housing, he will also get a higher base salary for each dependant.
You are doing a great job supporting his decision. Keep it going.

And Mark stop trying to recruit everyone into the Army.

Answer 6

Well, my husband is in the Marines..the pay scale is something that gives you an idea of what he will be making....if u already saw that the pay wont cover your living expenses then maybe its not a good idea....Me and my husband have been doing fine with the military pay....we have a daughter who is 17 months but he is overseas and will be home on the 15th so the separation pay and the extra money he get paid by being overseas is a huge help....As far as housing goes with yell being married the marines will supply yall with housing and most of the housing bills they will pay...if u choose not to live on base then they will hive yall BHA (Basic Housing Allowance) to cover where u plan to stay....As far as Clothing...the Marines have to purchase their own uniforms but they get the money back through closing allowance provided by the government....This is a huge decision and the both of u have to be willing to deal with him being away at ANY giving time he have to be able to deal with not seeing his daughter grow and experience life so i mean its a HUGE decision...but you and your daughter will be well taking care of by the military (education, insurance, and etc.) So I hope that helped...you can also e-mail me if u have any more questions.....GOOD LUCK!!!!


AND TO MARK WHO IS TRYIGN TO RECRUIT UR HUSBAND IN THE ARMY HE IS LYING IT DOES NOT TAKE THAT LONG TO GET YOUR ID FOR YOU AND UR CHILD THATS A BUNCH OF BULL......STOP HATING ON THE MARINES AND GET LIKE THEM.......THE ARMY DOESNT HAVE ANYTHING BETTER THAN THE MARINES...NEVER HAVE NEVER WILL!!!!!!!!SO STOP TRYING TO RECRUIT ONLINE.....THATS THE PROBLEM WITH THE ARMY...THE HAVE TO RECRUIT PEOPLE EVERYWHERE THEY GO CAUSE PEOPLE DONT WANT TO JOIN!!!!! (GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO MARINES!!!!!!)

Answer 7

I'm retired military, I retired at 39 and was able to start a second career .. Most of my friends were still smoking dope and drinking beer for that good time... while I traveled the world.. the only hard part was of course war Viet Nam for me But I did my part to keep America free .. The Marians are a good branch of service he can't go wrong what ever branch he joins the AIR FORCE seams to have the best technical schools the Navy also.. I was ARMY so of course they are my favorite

Answer 8

Hi, Im actually getting married next month to someone in the Navy. I can tell that you have looked into this. Even with all the bonuses and benefits, like housing, military discount, ect...; the hardest part is them being gone. I've been dating my fiancee for three years and he's been gone 2 out the three years on the opposite side of the country and he goes out to sea often. He tells me stories of other men in the service who lack respect for their loved ones back at home and do crazy things in other ports. My biggest concern would be something bad hapening to him because the military owns them once they join. If he really wants to do this and you are really willing to put all your effort into it working, it will work out for you; but if your having doubts, you should sit down and talk to him about your concerns. Depending on what he ends up doing will determine how ofter he is around to spend time with you and your child. I have to admit it gets really hard when you dont get to see them for a long time, you have your ups and downs; but the best thing about them being in the service is that when you do get time to see each other, you appreciatte it a lot more and you dont take anything for granted. My best friend amd her boyfriend just had a baby last may and he wants to leave for the army in November, my fiancee and I are really trying to talk him out of going to be honest. It all really depends on you two though, if you feel that this is really what you to would like to do, they have different amounts of time you can sign up for. If he's really for it, maybe you two can talk about him enlisting for a 2 year tour and see how things go; that way he can get out after two years if things dont work out or reenlist if you feel that you two can handle the big change. If you wuold like to talk more, you can email me.

Answer 9

well I was a military wife for two years and it is going to be tough at first but if you can get base housing it will be so much easier on you cause u will not have the rent and utilities to worry about the only bills you will have will be insurance fone and cable and internet so i mean it is worth it and God bless your husband and your family if you want u can email me at [e-mail] good luck with the future

Answer 10

I would recommend the Army as well. The Marines arent handing out $40,000 dollar bonuses. To anyone hating on that, I hope your Eagle, Globe and Anchor can feed your family.